‘Dance acts as a catalyst to boost our personality’

By Vaishnavi Pillay

Versatile dancers are not confined by the boundaries of a single style; they dance with the freedom of the wind, touching every corner of the dance floor, able to convey a thousand emotions through the language of movement. Born and brought up in Nagpur, sisters Pooja and Shraddha Hirwade have embraced the world of dance, each weaving unique narratives into this expressive art form. With a shared foundation in Bharatnatyam, Pooja is also trained in Kuchipudi and Carnatic music, while Shraddha brought out her versatile side by stepping into the sphere of western dance styles. Sharing her journey with ‘The Hitavada’, Pooja said that it began with her mother’s interest for classical dance forms. She embarked her Bharatnatyam journey at the age of four under the guidance of Guru Ratnam Janardhanan at Pratibha Nritya Mandir, and is now her guru’s devoted disciple for 25 years, also assisting her in running the dance academy. Alongside, she also learnt Carnatic flute and music. Her foray into Kuchipudi began under the tutelage of A P Nivedita. Presently, she is honing her skills under the mentorship of Sangeet Natak Akademi awardee Guru N Sailaja from Chennai.

Shraddha Hirwade’s fascination with dance blossomed while watching her sister and stepped into the training of Bharatnatyam at the age of five, under the same revered guru. After completing her Bharatnatyam exams, she ventured into western dance styles, and as the training opportunities were limited in city, her love for dance made her explore beyond and she sought out Shakti Mohan’s Nritya Shakti academy in Mumbai, where she attended training of contemporary, bollywood, jazz and other dance styles. Pooja is a recipient of both Junior and Young Artist Scholarships while Shraddha is a recipient of Young Artist Scholarship given by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Both the sisters have performed at various dance festivals and events across the country. Pooja defines dancing as a strong form of communication and expression. A few years back, she initiated the ‘Antaragni - Dance for a Cause’ programme series through which she raised awareness for various social issues and reached out to a wider audience.

On asking Shraddha about the creative process for both classical and western dance styles, she replied, “From Bharatnatyam, I gained the knowledge of rhythm and taal, which helps me in choreographing dance in western style and blending with music”. Currently, she works as a dance trainer at a city-based dance academy. Pooja Hirwade shares insights into her role at the dance academy. “When I was working in Mumbai, I found myself yearning for my art, feeling its absence in my life. That is when guru Ratnam suggested that I join her in teaching at the academy. My passion for dance brought me back to the academy”, Pooja said. Since 2017, she has been actively assisting her guru in managing all three branches of Pratibha Nritya Mandir. She is also a lecturer in the MFA course in the Department of Fine Arts at Nagpur University. Multitasking has become second nature to Pooja. On balancing her dance practice with running the academy, she says that she has learnt to set and stick to a routine that accommodates both her practice and responsibilities at the academy. She says that many are of the opinion that by following any art form, academics are neglected. “Art can never be an obstacle, rather it help us to be active and it develops concentration. Dance form acts as a catalyst, to boost our overall confidence and improve in academics”, Pooja asserted.

Shraddha Hirwade opens up about a poignant memory with teary eyes, “At the time when we performed our Arangetram together on stage, our father was not well; he was diagnosed with cancer and was in a wheelchair. However, he mustered the strength to stand up and applaud for us. That moment is beyond precious for us”. Their parents, Late Dr Anil Hirwade and Dr Mangala Hirwade, have played instrumental roles in shaping their journeys. Despite their father’s passing in 2015, their mother continues to be an unwavering pillar of support, actively encouraging them in every endeavor they pursue. Though the sisters may have differing opinions on many matters, this diversity has proved invaluable in their choreography, blending elements from both their creative minds. When challenges arise, open communication is their key to overcoming them.

They emphasise that while many may view a dance career as risky, every profession carries its own set of uncertainties. With careful planning and a resolute will, one can transform their passion into a thriving profession. The field offers abundant opportunities for those willing to seize them. On the academic front, Pooja did Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from YCCE, Nagpur and is now pursuing her PhD in Bharatnatyam. Shraddha did her Bachelor’s in Architecture from LAD College, Nagpur. Looking ahead, their vision is to establish a space where they can share their knowledge, allowing dancers to explore a multitude of dance forms under one roof. Their story is a testament to the power of familial support and the potential for diverse dance styles to harmoniously coexist.